DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

General Syllabus

Physics 45300  

Physical Photonics I/Laser Optics

Designation: Elective Undergraduate

Catalog description:

Theory and applications of lasers and masers. Physical principles underlying the design of lasers, coherent optics, and nonlinear optics.

3 HR./WK.

Prerequisites:

Pre- or coreq.: a course in modern physics (Physics 55100 or Physics 32100), a course in electricity and magnetism (Physics 35400 or EE 33200). Optics (Physics 45200) is desirable but not required (elective for Physics and Engineering majors).

Textbook and other suggested material:      

R. S. Quimby, Photonics and Lasers - An Introduction, 2006 (required), John Wiley and Sons

Course Objectives:

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to

 1. Understand quantum - electronic fundamentals of laser action

 2. Understand optical fundamentals of laser action (E/M & wave & resonator optics)

 3. Calculate and design laser cavities

 4. Distinguish different kinds of lasers/pumping/output coupling

 5. Know which methods are used to generate laser pulses

 6. Know several frequently used nonlinear optical processes

Topics Covered:

1. Interaction of photons & atoms

2. Resonator optics

3. Laser amplifier & resonator

4. Non-stationary operation

5. Non-linear optics

6. Applications

Class schedule: 

3 HR./WK.

Relationship of course to program outcomes:

 The outcomes of this course contribute to the following departmental learning outcomes:

a. students will be able to synthesize and apply their knowledge of physics and mathematics to solve physics-related problems in a broad range of fields in classical and modern physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and statistical physics, optics, quantum mechanics, and experimental physics. 

c. students will be able to communicate their knowledge effectively and in a professional manner, in both oral and written forms.

d. students will be able to work cooperatively with other students and with faculty.

Assessment Tools

1. Attendance 

2. Homework assignments 

3. Results of quizzes 

4. Class participation 

5. Results of Final Exam 

Person who prepared this description and date of preparation:

Matthias Lenzner

mlenzner@sci.ccny.cuny.edu

12/15/2006